All of us have eaten hot food, either forgetting its temperature or feeling too impatient to let it cool. Then we feel a sudden pain that signifies a burn to our mouth, lips, gums, or tongue. This pain can feel uncomfortable, but they are usually superficial, first-degree burns that can heal on their own.
However, the pain and inconvenience of the damaged tissue as it heals can be difficult to deal with during this recovery. When you know what to do, you can relieve this oral discomfort and heal without issue.
Sometimes, burns can be more severe, so you should know when to seek help from a medical professional as well. These details and more can be found when you read on.
How to Manage Discomfort from a Burned Mouth
The mouth features soft tissue that is more delicate than exterior skin, and this makes it more susceptible to burns from too-hot foods or drinks. Because the impact of the hot item is usually quick, you often suffer a minor burn. But though it will heal of its own accord, it can feel sore and uncomfortable during this period.
You can soothe pain from a minor mouth burn by drinking a cool, refreshing beverage. The lower temperature can ease irritated tissue within the mouth. If you drink milk, the thick liquid will also give the tissue a protective coating for further comfort.
Avoid spicy or crunchy foods that could aggravate the healing burns. Instead, stick to chilled, creamy, and smooth snacks that can ease irritation rather than contribute to it. If you notice a constant ache from the burn, try an over-the-counter pain medicine.
Minor mouth burns have a low risk of infection. But you can still benefit from a saline mouth rinse. The salt can encourage the healing process for a swifter recovery from the burn. Learn more tips by calling your dentist.
When to Call a Dentist About a Burned Mouth
Most of the time, burning your mouth involves damage only to the topmost layer of tissue. You can notice mild pain or soreness, redness, and peeling as the superficial burns heal. It may take a few days for the burn to heal on its own.
However, if you see blistering or the pain feels unmanageable, contact a health professional right away. This severe oral discomfort may point to a deeper, second-degree burn that will require intervention from a doctor or dentist to treat. A third-degree burn can mean you have nerve damage, so do not ignore numbness in the injured area either.
In most cases, we can pinpoint the moment we burned our mouths. But if you feel a chronic burning sensation with no known cause, you might have burning mouth syndrome. This may point to damaged nerves, so talk to your dentist about this symptom.
If you feel concerned about your symptoms or experience another change in your oral health, let your dentist know. Take precautions when consuming hot foods or drinks. But accidents can happen to the best of us. You can recover more swiftly when you know what to do if this occurs.